Author: Ali McDonald
You Don’t Have to Take Medicine All the Time
USA Today reports that as the allergy epidemic grows, more allergy sufferers are seeking out alternative medicine treatments. Despite the growing popularity of alternative treatments, most members of the medical community are still skeptical. ‘When a patient asks me whether…
The Today Show Offers Allergy Advice
This morning The Today Show offered viewers advice about dealing with allergies. As many as 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, and this year allergy season is hitting some places especially hard because of the relatively mild winter. _Host Matt…
Disposable Masks in Short Supply in U.S.
Business Week reports that, among widespread fears of bird flu pandemics and bioterrorism attacks, the demand for disposable respirator masks is increasing around the world. The United States, however, is seeing a decrease in mask production and a shortage of…
New Indoor Air Quality Newsletter from AllerAir
AllerAir, manufacturer of high-quality air purifiers, has started publishing its own Indoor Air Quality newsletter. To view the first issue from April 2006 and sign up to receive the newsletter each month, click here. To view past issues of our…
More than Half of American Citizens Are Allergic
More than half (54.6%) of all U.S. citizens test positive to one or more allergens. To read more interesting facts about allergies, see the allergy statistics at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Global Warming Makes Allergies Worse
I recently watched ‘Dimming the Sun’, a fascinating NOVA documentary that explains how atmospheric pollution has been masking the full effect of global warming–and the world may face a climate crisis much sooner than previously thought. Many scientists believe that…
Most Patients Dissatisfied with Allergy Meds
A new survey released by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA) shows that most allergy patients are dissatisfied with their allergy medication. Nearly two-thirds of allergy sufferers said they would try something new. The poll also found that…
New Study Links Allergies & Snoring
An estimated 40 million children in the western world suffer from allergies, and a recent study suggests that they are more likely to snore. The study found that young children diagnosed with atopy–a tendency to develop allergies and asthma–are also…
The Worst Allergy Season on Record
Update: See the 2007 report _Today the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that this spring may be the worst on record for allergy sufferers. The Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic recorded the second-highest pollen count since it began measuring the irritants in…
Free Filter Promotion from Blueair
Prepare for spring allergy season and receive a free filter (a $147.00 value) when you purchase a new Blueair Air Purifier this month. Buy a new Blueair model 201, 402, 501, or 601 with Particle Filter or Deluxe with SmokeStop…
Can Asthma Medication Cause Death?
Advair, the world's best-selling asthma medication packaged in that little purple puck, apparently does more harm than good for many asthma patients. Shelley Salpeter, a clinical professor of medicine at Stanford University, says, ‘[Advair and Servent] make asthma worse .…
Landmark Allergy Survey
Allergies in America: A Landmark Survey of Nasal Allergy Sufferers,the largest survey of its kind, reveals an overwhelming link between nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis) and serious quality of life and occupational consequences. These psychological and behavioral costs of allergies are…
Oral Allergy Syndrome
CNN recently aired a piece about oral allergy syndrome. Many people with hay fever (allergic rhinitis) develop itching around the mouth after eating certain fresh fruits and vegetables. This allergic reaction is known as oral allergy syndrome. It
Allergies Affect Daily Performance
A press release from a Texas allergy practice details a few of the effects that allergies can have on daily performance – for both adults and kids. The article references the AAAAI's recent findings that up to 40% of children…
Classroom Pets Become Controversial Issue
In the wake of much debate about food allergies in the classroom, another rarely-discussed topic arises: pet allergies. In news article Policy Would Restrict Classroom Pets, some Wisconsin schools approach the issue of classroom pets, and their affect on students…
Book Giveaway Ends
Well, we've finally wrapped up our book giveaway. Congratulations to Heather, Mihaela, and Don, who each won a free copy of My House is Killing Me by Jeffrey C. May.Here's a bit about our three winners: Heather says: ‘I've lived…
Exercise-Induced Asthma
What's exercise-induced asthma?In this Q&A article from the Washington Examiner, ‘Sports Doc’ Steve Fahey explains the cause and effect of exercise-induced asthma. Dr. Fahey clearly explains some of the mechanisms which can cause an asthma attack, and how these may…
Pillow Talk on the Today Show
On January 11th, the Today Show did an interesting story on pillows
New Food Labeling Law in Effect
A new law, which came in to effect January 1st, mandates labeling changes to food containing major allergens such as egg, milk, wheat, nuts, and soy. This insightful article, New law means food allergies must be noted, explains the benefits…
Allergy Terms Defined
Q: What is the difference between hypoallergenic and anti-allergen? Which type of product is best to buy? A: Both terms are used frequently in the world of allergies, and their meanings are actually quite different. However, both types of products…
Random Allergy Tips
Random Allergy Tip #19Up to 50% of all household dust can be found on shelves, so try to keep indoor shelves to a minimum. Eliminating shelves can help reduce the over-all surface area and make your cleaning job easier. Random…
Research on asthma and nonprescription inhalers
Nonprescription inhaler effective for asthmaNew findings reported in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology suggest that nonprescription epinephrine inhalers may provide similar benefits to an inhaler containing a prescription drug like abuterol. Despite encouraging first results, a larger study…
New Ontario Law to Aid Allergic Students
Teen girl's legacy could be lifesaver _ _Recently, there has been a lot of news regarding legislation aimed to protect students with severe food allergies. This article is a particularly interesting one, highlighting the story behind what has been termed…
Three winners selected
As promised, the three winners of our book giveaway were selected by random drawing on January 5th. I've spoken with two of the winners, and mailed them their free copies of My House is Killing Me by Jeffrey C. May.…
January achoo! Review
The January issue of the achoo! Review went out yesterday. With three articles and six featured new products, it was packed full of cool allergy news and tips to start 2006 off the right way. If you're not signed up…
More tips for dealing with mold
Mold Spreads as Heavy Rains Pound CaliforniaHeavy rains over the weekend in many areas have left residents at risk for mold problems. This article from the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America contains advice on preventing and dealing with mold.
Houseplants and Mold
A few days ago, we looked at an article about the benefits of houseplants in improving indoor air quality. Indoor pollution like VOC's and other toxins can be broken down and minimized by houseplants, improving indoor air quality. Today's question…
Green School is Health and Allergy Friendly
State-of-the-art school readyThis green building is not only a great learning environment for kids, it's a leader in building design for environmental sustainability. It's also allergy and MCS friendly!
Clean the Air with Houseplants?
Give the gift of fresh air: Buy a houseplant.According to this article, indoor houseplants can help fight indoor air pollution. In research by NASA scientists, indoor house plants drastically reduced toxic chemical levels inside. The author explains a few common…
Getting Rid of Mold
To break house mold, eliminate at the source.This article from Newsday.com shares information from the Mayo Clinic on how to best get rid of house mold — plus information on the potential health risks. According to the authors, the incidence…
Sinusitis is a High Incidence Disease
Sinusitis: One of the Most Diagnosed Diseases in the United States.According to this press release from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 35 million Amercians are affected by chronic sinusitis each year. Article discusses sinusitis symptoms, warning signs,…
Allergies and Cold Weather
Q: My allergies often feel worse after I’ve been outside in chilly weather. How does the cold affect allergies? A: Most of us feel sniffly after being outside in the cold for too long. But for allergy sufferers, the combination…
Random Allergy Tips
Random allergy tip #16Dust regularly to cut down on allergy symptoms. If you have severe dust allergies, wear a mask. Use electrostatically charged dusting cloths which trap dust instead of simply spreading it around. Random allergy tip #24Alcohol can stimulate…
New 100% Cotton Pillow
achoo! ALLERGY's newest product addition is a 100% cotton pillow. At first, I wasn't sure what to think about this pillow — it seemed a little plain and firm, maybe even a little lumpy. However, I brought one home to…
Dust vs. The Dust Mite, Explained
Q: I hear a lot of talk about the difference between dust and dust mites. Is the one a fancy term for the other? Or are they different? A: This one confuses everyone at one point or another. Much like…
Product Review: M1 Housewash
On Saturday, the dreaded day had come: it was time to catch up on my house cleaning. In preparation for my epic day of winter cleaning, I had armed myself with a bottle of M1 House Wash. I was eager…
Children Visit DC to Discuss Food Allergies
'Ambassador,' 9, talks of allergiesInteresting article about two children from New York who recently visited Washington DC, for the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network Kids' Congress. The child profiled in the article has a milk allergy, and his younger brother…
Dust Mite Exposure During Pregnancy
Mom's Dust Mite Exposure Shared With Her FetusAccording to asthma and allergy researchers, moms who test positive for dust mite allergens are more likely to have infants whose umbilical cord blood tests positive for the allergen as well. Since childhood…
Book Review: My House is Killing Me
Although I had heard what a great book this is, only recently did I get a chance to read it for myself. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy to read it is. The author, Jeffrey C. May, does a…
Pining for a pine: Allergy no-no?
Q: I am considering getting a live Christmas tree, but I’m worried about my allergies. Is a Christmas tree safe for an allergy-friendly living room? Do pine trees cause allergies? A: Many people start to sniffle, wheeze and start to…
Asthma and Household Dust
Study: High Allergen Levels in U.S. Homes.A new study associates endotoxins, a bacterial allergen commonly found in household dust, with asthma. The study was conducted by the University of Iowa Environmental Health Sciences Center, and included nearly 2500 people in…
Short and Sweet Allergy Tips
Rolling the dice in the allergy tip bank: Random allergy tip #22If your child has allergies, don’t let them take a non-washable stuffed animal to bed. These are breeding grounds for dust mites. Substitute a washable stuffed animal or cotton…
achoo! Review sent today
The achoo! Review, achoo! ALLERGY's monthly email newsletter, went out to subscribers today.The newsletter includes articles and a few featured products. It's too late to receive this issue in your email… but it's not too late to read it on…
Inaugural Post – Achoo!
Achoo! The Blog kicks off today with its inaugural posting. Of course, we’re all anxious to get to the good stuff (allergy news, tips, discussion, and fun!), but first things first. Background: One of the guiding principles at achoo! ALLERGY…
Some News Tidbits
A New Sort of CAT Scan Reveals Effects on LungsNews article about the effects of cat dander on lung function in people with asthma. According to UCLA researchers, new tests show patients still have constriction and inflammation in airways even…